I’ve given it a lot of thought lately regarding my method of parenting. I’ve been at it for 7+ years now, and while that time period hardly sets me at expert level, I have at least learned a few things on my journey. I’ve been blessed with two kids, and one of them is 7 years older than the other. Now if you can just put your mind around that a bit - this child had ONLY my husband and I for 7 years.
Not one. Not two, but 7 before the baby came. This means we shared our lives with her alone. We were her entire world. Her behavior functioned in such a way in that she understood her routine, she wasn’t put on the back burner and she was tended to immediately. Then along comes baby number two and he rocked all of our worlds in a wonderful and challenging way. Almost immediately, those tender moments we had together were disrupted and interrupted by baby time. And we all know that baby time is no waiting time.
Our (husband and mine) conversations changed, the tone changed, and what was once a family that got 8 hours of sleep was now running on fumes - sleepless nights caused our what was normal routine to fundamentally change. As time has passed during these almost 6 months, the behavior has gotten out of hand. The back talk, the whining & frustration levels have risen. I’ve found myself meeting her challenge with more challenge, instead of tenderness. I truly attribute this to A. Not being in the Word and B. Not getting any sleep.
Our (husband and mine) conversations changed, the tone changed, and what was once a family that got 8 hours of sleep was now running on fumes - sleepless nights caused our what was normal routine to fundamentally change.
I spoke to a brother in Christ yesterday about this specific thing and he really helped me reinforce this message. “That’s the Holy Spirit working”, I thought. I needed to hear this from my friend - right at that very moment. I also needed to read my devotional this morning while feeding the baby. It really pointed out that we are to not match our child’s frustrations with more frustrations. We need to think before we speak, instead of omitting a foul tone followed by harsh words. Our littles will simply emulate us, as they’re so incredibly impressionable.
Begin today with a clear mind and a soft heart ❤️, do a little meditation on God’s word and I believe the fruits of the spirit will start to grow more abundantly in your home.